Caribbean Export & EPA Implementation in the Caribbean Servi

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Caribbean Export and EPA Implementation in the Caribbean Services Sector BENEFICIARY SUCCESSES USING THE EPA

of the initiative. Overall, Caribbean Downloads/DanceBeat has reported an increase in business of approximately 30% following the Study Tour.

Michele Henderson - Dominica

Dominica-based singer and songwriter Michele Henderson participated in the inaugural showcase of Caribbean Soul Fusion in 2012. In addition to providing a platform to showcase her music to a diverse international audience, Michele has been able to gain new business, secure contracts for future performances, and collaborate with regional counterparts following participation in the free-to-air event. Michele has since toured Finland, Denmark, Belgium, Italy, Estonia, Colombia, and the United States. Most recently, she won the CARICOM Song Competition in 2014 with her composition entitled “Celebrating CARICOM”. Edwin Johnson, Vice President of the SVG Association of Music Professionals participated in the European Study Tour for Creative Industries firms in 2012. Representing an organisation with over 200 members, Edwin successfully secured contacts and valuable industry insights about the opportunities for musicians in the wider EU market during the mission. While in Manchester the company was able to secure an audition for female soloists and groups within a local entertainment company. Contact was also established with Midas, a business development agency, for the delivery of assistance to any music companies seeking to do business in Manchester. SVG Association of Music Professionals - St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Similar opportunities were available in Liverpool and Paris, with the latter focusing on production, marketing and distribution in France and the EU community. Meetings in Berlin resulted in the establishment of contacts for reggae artistes, and the possibility of training and developmental assistance to participate in local music festivals.